Saturday, 20 October 2018

Grandma came for a visit today, and almost as soon as she arrived, Aiden was getting his shoes and socks 😍 He wanted to go out with Grandma. He more than likely wanted to go for a sleepover at Grandmas, but as she is working tomorrow. That was not an option, so we spent a long time politely ignoring his gestures of shoes and going out. But the persistent little bugger he is.

He just wouldn't quit!

He had a wry smile on his face and a look of determination in his eyes 😏 'You will take me out' He said in his best Jedi Non-verbal mind trick way.

We were wining.

We were standing our ground, and not putting his socks and shoes on for him because that would be game over! if we did.

And then..........

He sat himself down next to Grandma. Kept looking over at her and me. And very patiently and with much struggling. He put his own socks on! 😮😍🤘Aiden then went into a happy stim frenzy. He knew he'd done something BIG! It didn't finish there either. He also sat and figured out his shoes. fixing the Velcro and making sure they were the right feet.

Once they were perfectly placed on his feet, he stood up and faced and bounced in front of Grandma.

So......here we are.

Out with Grandma. The thing he wanted to do. 😀

He chose his snacks from the shop, and is now happily sat there.

Grandma was free to go home without him piling on the guilt. He is happy now.

Hey guys. Just out of curiosity (and maybe more)How many of you would be willing to actively take part in a non-verbal day?

I did one the other year, to try and better understand my son, and to see if I could feel the struggles he goes through daily..... Boy I did.I gave myself all the aides that he has to his self. Pecs, talking tablet etc.... As well as body language and hand holding. I made sure I did it on a day that I was working and out in general public. I made sure I had to go as far out of my comfort zone as to best benefit from it (staying in the house and texting my wife for a cup of tea would've been a bit useless..... but not an idea I'm willing to count out in the future for my own benefit 😉)

I documented my day.I documented everything I have never noticed before. And how not being able to talk makes you act differently. And how incredibly hard it is.It opened my eyes. And I saw how my son does things and why. And I understood a little bit more.